Half-way through the 2006 season and with the Logan Winter Cup and Brendale Winterchamps coming up in a few weeks, I thought it was worth casting an eye over the contenders in the competitive Mod Touring and Stock Touring classes.  This is how I see it. Feel free to post your comments or views – even to disagree!

Stock Touring
Without doubt Damian Barnier and Adrian Beggs are the fast guys of Stock Touring in Queensland. Both will be big chances at the upcoming races and at the Qld Titles and Nats later in the year.  Both are very fast, very consistent and well-equipped. They are hard to beat and I can’t split them.
If the guys from Murwillumbah make the journey they also will be big threats. Tom Leahy, Darren Matthews and Rodney Patch (not sure if Rodney is still racing?) are very, very fast.
Then there are a bunch of guys who are nearly impossible to split in terms of recent pace. Jason Wakefield (new car coming?), David Guyatt, Bob Vardy, Justin Hughes (when he makes a rare appearance).
Then there another bunch who don’t travel much but are very quick at home. Johnny Hyde, Brad Hall, Brad Palmer, Andrew Lyons are all threats.
Making an A final in stock is always tough, and the races in coming weeks will be no difference.  My predictions? Adrian and Damian will split the two “winter” races one each. I have no idea which will be which!
Mod Touing:
For the last couple of years Anthony Atack has held a small but consistent edge over the Mod Touring field in Queensland. Based on recent results Keith Mackrill may just have closed that gap down to nothing. Keith has been very quick at both Brendale and Bayside and has taken a few wins away from Anthony (who I think is as fast as ever). The battle between these two will be fascinating. Michael Sherman is another definite talent – and though his appearances are rare he knows the fast way around both Brendale and Logan.
Behind those are a group of very quick drivers who on the right day will push the front-runners to the limit. John Perkins has been quick this year at a variety of tracks (notably Tamworth where was very strong) and will threaten. Peter Dooley hasn’t been “out and about” much but is building in confidence and pace with his new ride. He will be quick.  Rob Maycock is another who has plenty of speed and just needs to find clean and consistent driving to be a threat.
Then there are another bunch fighting hard for A final spots – and potentially mid-field or even podiums on the right day. Leonard Lai, Martin Nichols (very fast at Bayside Cup) Drew Crawley, Charlie Jones, Joel Gartland (if he returns), Rex Creed and Big Mac are all in the battle for A final positions.
The battle at the front will be fascinating. And the battle to make finals and move forward in a competitive field will be no less interesting.
Bring on some exciting races….